Dave Szott has been getting into his crouch and staring at defensive linemen for 14 years now. Over thousands of practices and games, the Jets left guard recognizes a talent across the ball when he sees it.

Despite rumblings from impatient fans and unrealistic media about Dewayne Robertson, Szott has no doubts about the defensive tackle the Jets made their No. 1 draft pick (No. 4 overall) in April.

Watching film on Robertson as a collegiate defensive force at Kentucky turned Szott into a quick believer, but Robertson’s presence in training camp this summer has opened Szott’s eyes more.

“I saw good things on the highlights and everything is coming true,” Szott said. “The quickness, the explosion and the strength are all there. What you don’t know is how focused the kid is when he comes in. He’s very, very focused. You never hear him talk. He’s just all about working. I treat that as a positive.”

To be sure, Robertson is far from the most colorful or ebullient interview. He’s more concerned with learning and progressing than he is about making headlines or getting himself on TV.

He also appeared to be a bit less wide-eyed than DE Bryan Thomas, the Jets’ No. 1 pick in 2002, who’s still trying to find his niche on the team. Thomas, in fairness, came from a small-school program at Alabama-Birmingham; still, it’s undeniable Robertson, out of Kentucky, seems more polished, less awed by his surroundings.

Because of the substance-abuse suspension of Josh Evans, last year’s starting three-technique DT, Robertson has been thrust into the starting lineup since the day he arrived. He’s done a good job of keeping things in perspective.

“I’m not taking anything for granted,” Robertson said of his starting status. “I’m just thankful and really grateful that I’m in this position. I’m learning a lot.”

Robertson’s preseason was not been particularly impressive, but he had at times been a disruptive force.

After the Jets’ preseason loss to the Saints, DE John Abraham credited Robertson for opening up some lanes for him by occupying two blockers.

“Just because I’m not doing what people expect me to do [as a No. 1 pick] “the fans and all ” the coaches know I’m doing a good job,” Robertson said. “I’m not even thinking about any pressure, man. I’m just lining up to play.”

Asked how much he’s looking forward to the arrival of the regular season, Robertson said, “I can’t wait to get to when it counts so I can get out there and get a taste of a real live game.”

Szott said starting right off the bat will accelerate Robertson’s progress.

“I would rather go play,” he said. “I think you’re going to learn quicker and reach your potential quicker by playing and facing the best competition.”